The National Environmental Agency stated that over July 20-21, Tbilisi received 1.5 times its monthly norm of precipitation in 7-8 hours, and up to 2.5 times the monthly norm in certain areas. According to the agency, this was one of the main causes of the subsequent flooding, waterlogged streets, and temporary overloading of infrastructure.
The Agency explained that in the context of climate change, not only the frequency of extreme precipitation is increasing, but also its intensity. Consequently, there are instances where a large volume of precipitation falls within a short period, increasing the risk of flash floods and other hazardous hydrometeorological events.
The agency stated that from the night of July 20 to the morning of July 21, heavy rainfall classified as hazardous meteorological events was observed across most of Tbilisi. The highest amount of rainfall was recorded near the first building of the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU), where approximately 110 mm of precipitation fell in about eight hours, marking a record high for July in Tbilisi’s history of observations.
Moreover, more than half of this volume — 54.5 mm — fell in just one hour, between 23:00 on July 20 and 00:00 on July 21. This figure exceeds the climatic norm of precipitation for the entire month of July in the capital by 30%.
According to the agency’s weather stations, the precipitation amounts were as follows:
- Tabakhmela — 25.07 mm;
- Vashlijvari — 55.8 mm;
- Bagebi — 75.2 mm;
- Sokhumi State University area — 69.1 mm;
- Mukhattskaro — 87.3 mm;
- Mtskheta — 1.5 mm;
- Agmashenebeli Avenue — 95.1 mm.
The agency notes that the precipitation was distributed extremely unevenly across the city, which is characteristic of convective processes (rain clouds). The heaviest rainfall occurred in specific areas of the western and central parts of Tbilisi.
During the day, strong atmospheric instability developed due to intense heating of the surface air layer, high humidity in the lower atmosphere, and an influx of colder air in the upper layers. Consequently, powerful convective clouds formed very rapidly, triggering heavy downpours over a limited area within a short period.
When this occurs, the bulk of the precipitation typically falls within a few hours.
The National Environmental Agency of Georgia continues to continuously monitor the hydrometeorological situation and promptly informs the public about potential hazardous weather events.
